Our Results Are The Summation Of What Our Brain Focuses On

“What our brain focuses on, creates the outcome.  When we focus on negative, we receive negative.  When we focus on productive we witness successful results!” ~ Claire McGee

Our world is made up of words which have been ingrained in our human nature which date back many centuries.  These words were comprised from educated individuals which showed their learned experiences and justified their intelligence above others during the same time frame.  Due to this, instruction/direction in business and at home, often offer less than satisfying results.  Reason being, we are accustom to speaking in the negative which results in mistakes, misunderstandings, communication breakdown and continued delays.

Remember, our beliefs (which are at the subconscious level) triggers emotional and natural reactions.  These reactions cause us to make conscious decisions.  These decisions prompt our body to take action.  Our actions cause us to experience a result.  These results reinforce our strong belief and expectations of an outcome.  Therefore whatever we tell our brain to focus on, we create a mirrored result!

As an example, if I were to say to you “Don’t think of your family” or “Don’t think of a banana” your brain starts to focus on exactly that.  Whatever you tell your brain, be it “don’t” or “do”, you cause yourself or someone else to focus it.  When we focus on it, we take action to satisfy a decision causing a result!  It is for this reason, whenever we are giving directives at work or at home, it is best to always speak in the affirmative!  After all, it is the affirmative results we are looking for!

Here are a few examples.

Always give direction in the affirmative to get positive results.  Avoid the word "don't" for this gives negative results.

A small child is venturing very close to a fireplace which is dancing with flames keeping your house warm.  This child is extremely curious and wants to touch the flame because it is beautiful and it glows.  As a concerned adult the first thing we think of is, "Don't touch the fireplace" which is a negative directive.   We have told this child to focus on touching the fireplace and is now even more focused on doing so!  It gets to the point where we have to push his hand away or move him somewhere else and say “I told you no”.  Sound familiar?  Rather than say “Don’t touch the fireplace” say what it is you actually want him to do which is, "Stay away from the fireplace, it's hot.”  When we say it in this fashion this little one’s brain focuses on moving away which results in his body satisfying the need. 

Directives are extremely important when it comes to safety.  Below are a few more made up examples for work health and safety.

"Don't wear long jewellery or clothing because it can get caught in the machine." Negative Directive.

"Wear fitting clothing to work when operating this machine." Affirmative Directive.

"Don't turn the machine on when there are employees standing near." Negative Directive

"Make certain the area is clear of employees before turning the machine on."  Affirmative Directive

"Don't forget to turn the machine off before leaving the building." Negative Directive.

"Remember to turn the machine off before leaving the building."  Affirmative Directive

"Do not leave this machine unattended at any time." Negative Directive.

"Make certain someone is attending this machine at all time." Affirmative Directive.

Do you remember a time where you said something to someone only for them to do the exact opposite of what you thought you asked?  Did the conversation go a little like this “I told you not to!” / “Why did you do that I said don’t!”  If you are able to recall instances like this the above may be the reason for it.  As you go forward remember phrase your directives in such a way so as to receive the results you actually want.  Tell someone what you want them to do for this is the results you can expect!

Keep smiling!

Claire McGee